Congratulations to Shad Valley alumnae Vivian Leung, UBC 2008, and Emily Ennett, UNB 2008, who have been named Ontario Junior Citizens of the Year by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association! The award recognizes inspiring individuals who not only see a need, but rise to the challenge and contribute their time and energy to making improvements.
In Ontario, 12 students received the award for making a difference in both their hometowns and in communities around the globe. This year, there were 117 nominations across the province!
Vivian, a student at Abbey Park High School in Oakville, is ‘an amazing and accomplished young woman,’ says her principal, Odette Bartnicki. Vivian has organized several successful initiatives at her high school to raise funds for causes she is passionate about such as Pencils for Kids and the Sichuan earthquake relief. This year alone she has volunteered for the St. John Ambulance, the Rotary Club, the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee and for Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton, to name a few. Vivian’s story was recently featured in the Oakville Beaver.
Emily, who is completing her final year at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford, is passionate about many school and community causes, including supporting a food drive that was going to end, an adult community that needed a wheelchair van, and a new group forming at school to befriend special needs kids. Emily's drive and commitment has greatly influenced her high school. This year, Emily introduced a youth philanthropy program in which all grade 10 students will now compete.
There will be an awards ceremony for the Ontario Junior Citizen award on May 3 at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
